The 34-year-old has also spent part of her off-season further sharpening her entrepreneurial instincts by studying at the Harvard Business School Cross Over Program, all while preparing for another season on the WTA tour in 2020.

Mattek-Sands turned pro at 14, the same age as Jaeger, a two-time major finalist who receieved the NYJTL’s Service Award in recognition of her 34 years of work with cancer-stricken and terminally ill children through her Little Star Foundation. 

“I grew up playing junior tournaments in New York, and to know that the NYJTL is also out there helping kids, giving them an opportunity not just to play tennis, but to also learn and do that in over 100 different areas and clubs,” she said in an interview before the ceremony. 

“It’s really special, because any time you can give back to kids, it inspires that next generation, and also kids right now, who need help.”

Moderated by L. Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated and Tennis Channel, the NYJTL Leadership Luncheon also awarded Hilfiger with its Leadership Award, along with the Seymour Propp Achievement Award and Sportsmanship Award to NYC youths Christopher Perez and Isis Rodriguez, respectively.